1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.  KJV
Abstain from every form of evil.  ESV

This brief instruction is given as Paul closes his letter. “Form” conveys the meaning better than “appearance” in modern English. This does not authorize anyone to condemn practices which “sound” or “look” evil in one’s opinion. It instructs us to avoid evil in all its forms. Evil is exclusively defined by God’s word, and no person may go beyond that by adding prohibitions or requirements to God’s law.

~ SR

Citation
Ruhmann, Scott. “Quick Notes: 1 Thessalonians 5:22.” 27th Street Church of Christ. Access date: . http://www.churchofbend.com/qn/1the5-22.htm